The Austin Skyline Is About to Change

PRESS IS WELCOME IN ADVANCE AT 8:30 AM FOR AN EARLY BRIEFING & INTERVIEWS.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

Place: 200 Congress Avenue (2nd and Congress) -- Parking available on site

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE AUSTONIAN

Benchmark Development invites you to join Ziegler Cooper Architects, Gary
Lee Partners and Gottesman Residential Real Estate to celebrate the
groundbreaking of The Austonian, an elegant, 55-story, 683 feet elliptical
tower in the heart of downtown Austin's retail, dining and entertainment
districts. Guests will include Senator Kirk Watson, Mayor Will Wynn, future
residents of The Austonian, as well as other city officials and well known
community leaders. The groundbreaking comes after Benchmark Development
announced the $200 million mixed-use, luxury high-rise condominium
development. The anticipated completion date will be late 2009 and early
2010.

Mayor Will Wynn...

"As our population continues to grow, the Austonian is a significant step
in helping us reduce energy use, water use and vehicle miles traveled per
capita, all while increasing the vibrancy and vitality of Congress
Avenue. Urbane, mixed-use density has dramatic benefits economically,
environmentally and socially. I look forward to welcoming to downtown all
the future residents of the Austonian."

David Mahn, VP, Benchmark Development...

"Luxury living is all about convenience and vision combined with elegance.
The Austonian is going to be just that. It will offer a complete package of
unmatched features and amenities in terms of its address and convenient
location, important environmental green aspects, view that will be afforded
to every resident, revitalization of the Second Street District of Austin,
and an extraordinary architectural design and 'wow-factor.' We believe The
Austonian has it all."

The groundbreaking will include a catered breakfast and speakers will
consist of Senator Kirk Watson, Mayor Will Wynn, David Mahn, VP, Benchmark
Development and Terry Mitchell, Momark Development, Strategic Marketing
Director for the project.

ABOUT THE AUSTONIAN:

Rising a gleaming 56 floors above the coveted intersection of Congress
Avenue and Second Street, topped by a glowing crown, is The Austonian. So
distinctly different, yet so uniquely Austin, it offers a truly singular
lifestyle. The Austonian was designed by world-renowned Ziegler Cooper
Architects, which aspires to design projects that build community, enrich
people's lives and express the spirit of our time through art, craft and
technology. This 683 feet elliptical high-rise tower is designed with a
glass, stone and masonry window wall system atop an urban garden deck. It
is a technologically advanced home that offers owners individual choices in
contemporary or traditional design. The Austonian. A community that rises
above the ordinary.